CDWP approves CPEC projects worth billions of rupees

Islamabad: Pakistan’s Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has approved four development projects valued at a total of Pakistani Rs 126.2 billion including two China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.

One CPEC project recommended by the CDWP is the “Construction of New Gwadar International Airport (NGIA),” with an estimated cost of Rs 60.208 billion. This project aims to construct NGIA and associated facilities on a 4,300-acre piece of land that has already been acquired.

During the meeting held under the leadership of Dr. Mohammad Jehanzeb Khan, the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, the CDWP recommended for consideration by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) the “Thar Coal Rail Connectivity with the existing Railway Network.”

This CPEC project, with an estimated cost of Rs. 55.97 billion, is sponsored by the Ministry of Railways. Its primary aim is to establish rail links connecting Thar coal mines to Port Qasim, aligning with the sectoral objectives of Vision 2025. This initiative will facilitate bulk transportation, reducing environmental pollution and traffic congestion on roads.

Furthermore, this project is essential for utilizing indigenous Thar coal, aligning with the goals of Pakistan Vision 2025. It will help reduce the import bill and lower production costs for electricity. Additionally, it will contribute to the development of the local community in Tharparkar by generating royalties and job opportunities.

The demand for coal in Pakistan mainly comes from the Power Sector and the Cement industry. As capacity additions in both sectors are anticipated, it becomes crucial to rely on Thar coal to meet this demand and reduce dependence on imported coal. Several coal-based power plants in Thar coal fields have already demonstrated the feasibility of this approach.

The meeting was attended by key figures, including the Secretary of the Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, the Chief Economist, members of the Planning Commission, and representatives from various ministries.

The CDWP anldo approved the “Improvement/Widening of Spera Ragha Road from Khanozai Cross to Loralai Killa Saifullah,” valued at Rs. 6.121 billion.

This project, sponsored by the Balochistan government, involves widening and improving a 92.5-kilometer-long road to connect the central cities of Northern Balochistan to Southern Punjab. The current single-lane road is in poor condition, causing difficulties for locals and transporters.

The CDWP has cleared the “Special Repair of 600 Passenger Coaches and 1,200 Bogies Wagons,” with an estimated cost of Rs. 3.95 billion.

The goal of this project is to procure necessary spares, conduct special repairs, heavy maintenance, and defend the maintenance of 600 coaches and 1,200 bogie wagons, including 227 air-conditioned passenger coaches equipped with modern amenities.